The Characteristics of Timber Wolves

Timber wolves have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since the 1970s. Because of myths told around the campfire, humans began to fear wolves, which caused them to be the targets of hunters. Also, humans invading their territory has caused their numbers to decrease and led to the few isolated attacks that were a result of the wolf protecting its territory. However, a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife ruling has removed their protected status in some states due to population increases.

  1. Physical

    • As the largest member in the canine family, the timber wolf varies in color from midnight black to snowy white. The most common color of wolf is gray, which is why they are also referred to as the gray wolf. An adult wolf, 2 years old or more, stands between 27 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighs anywhere from 75 to 125 lbs. The grizzled fur in the winter can be as long as 2 to 2 1/2 inches on their backs and sides and 4 to 5 inches around their mane.

    Environment

    • Though found primarily in Canada and Alaska, these wolves also venture into northern Washington state, along with Idaho, Montana and northeast Minnesota. Outside of the United States, timber wolves can also be found in parts of Russia and some eastern European countries. The wolves in Mexico have been reintroduced in the U. S. in New Mexico and Arizona. Their territory can range from 100 to 260 square miles.

    Pack

    • The pack structure is enforced by the strongest and most dominant male known as the alpha. They communicate with one another through their voice, posture and scent. The territory is marked by the pack with their urine and feces. Feeding and protecting are done by the entire pack, as well as training the pups. To prevent a fight, the alpha male will stare down the other wolves to establish dominance.

    Breeding

    • The alpha male and female are the breeding pair for the pack, meaning they are the only wolves that will reproduce. The alpha female stares down the other females of the pack to keep them from mating with the alpha male, her mate. Mating season is from January to March, with a gestation period of 63 days. The pups are raised by the entire pack, but remain with their parents, forming a basic pack.

    Hunting

    • Being more active at night, these wolves howl to communicate to one another to prepare to go hunting. During non-breeding months, they usually hunt with 12 or more wolves, going after whatever is available. Birds and mammals are their primary hunting game, like deer or caribou within a range of up to 60 miles. They track their prey by using their sense of smell.